Sports

Mickelson has his Ryder Cup game face on

U.S. Ryder Cup player Phil Mickelson holds his yardage book as he stands on the 13th fairway during practice ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland on September 24, 2014. (REUTERS/Russell Cheyne)

The always entertaining Mickelson took time Wednesday at Gleneagles to fire shots at Europe’s top players, return a volley from a British reporter and play up his team’s role as an underdog.

He did it all with a great big smile on his face.

Hours after U.S. captain Tom Watson said Mickelson was a notorious smack talker, the four-time major champion took a friendly run at Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, two leaders of the European team. Mickelson made a not-so-subtle reference to the highly publicized lawsuit filed by McIlroy against McDowell’s former management company.

Mickelson was asked about a theory that America’s drought at the tournament has been caused in part because its players aren’t as close to one another as the European players.

“Well, not only are we able to play together, we also don’t litigate against each other and that’s a real plus, I feel, heading into the week,” Mickelson said.

Mickelson, who is heading into an amazing 10th consecutive Ryder Cup, was repeatedly asked by a British reporter about his 11-17-6 record in the tournament. He was asked if he considered it a “blot” on his resume and whether or not it stings.

“Are you always this half-empty?” Mickelson shot back. “Is that how you look at things? Because we’re more optimistic here.”

It was the showmanship we have come to expect from Mickelson. But when talk turned to his country’s role as an underdog it seemed Phil became more forthright. He spoke about the team being here in Scotland without Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Jason Dufner. He mentioned how great Europeans McIlroy and Henrik Stenson have played over the past two years and pointed out the U.S. drought in Ryder Cups played in Europe.

“We have not won here in 20 years,” he said. “We’ve got a team that is a heavy underdog, and the expectations certainly aren’t high.”

Mickelson’s comments about his team’s underdog status seemed to be the strongest of any player or captain. That is, until running mate Keegan Bradley spoke with the media and unknowingly revealed that his partner’s comments were likely gamesmanship.

Bradley was asked how Mickelson looks during the practice rounds.

“Man, he is playing so good,” Bradley said. “I’ve got such a good partner ... He’s playing great and he’s motivated to win this Ryder Cup.”

When Phil addressed the media he was talking about a huge hill to climb, a great challenge and that win, lose or draw his team is excited to be here. His discussions with Bradley appear to be very different.

The exuberant 28-year-old has been sending clips of the pairs’ highlights from the 2012 Ryder Cup to Mickelson’s phone and said he loves receiving Mickelson’s responses.

“Phil is way into strategy and talking it through and talking through what we need to do,” Bradley said. “These older guys are so motivated in this Ryder Cup. It’s really fun to see.”

It appears that playing possum is part of Mickelson’s strategy.

WHAT TO WATCH

If you’re staying up late or waking up early to watch the Ryder Cup on Friday, here is what to keep an eye on:

THE COURSE AND SETUP

Even though the Ryder Cup is in Scotland, you’re not going to see Scottish golf. Gleneagles Centenary course is not a links course, it’s a Jack Nicklaus-designed big American-style parkland layout. Aside from the stunning views of the Scottish countryside, it will look like many PGA Tour courses fans have seen on TV. The difference is it has been set up much like a European Tour event. Anyone who watches that tour knows that the fairways are generally narrower and the rough is a little higher. This week at Gleneagles, the rough is downright nasty in spots. European captain Paul McGinley said it was not by design and points to the strong September growing season in Scotland this year. The downside is some of the great recovery shots match play usually brings might not be possible out of the thick stuff.

“No matter how your game is going, it’s probably never finished until it’s done on those five holes,” he said.

The closing stretch at Gleneagles Centenary course is exactly what you want for match play. The 14th hole is a reachable 320-yard par 4, where anyone looking to make a late run will feel the urge to gamble.

The 15th is a par 4 that features one of the toughest greens on the course. It’s the fourth handicap hole and a birdie here should go a long way.

The 16th is a risk/reward par 5 with water in front of the green.

The 17th is a par 3 which is always a good place to make up a hole.

Matches that reach the 18th will find another par 5. This one has a long, narrow green that makes for a tough target. Par 5 finishing holes usually create great theatre and this one is no different.

PLAYERS TO WATCH, OR NOT

Europe’s Lee Westwood and Thomas Bjorn are not in top form and it will be interesting to see when captain McGinley decides to trot these two out.

On the American side, Jordan Spieth has not been playing well recently and there are conflicting reports about how Bubba Watson is playing. The big hitter will be counted on by the Americans, so pay attention to how he plays early.